The Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones, erected in honour of the politician who founded the NHS, have fallen into disrepair – much to the dismay of local residents.

Dog walker Douglas Harris told WalesOnline he is sad that the stones, which mark such an important figure in Blaenau Gwent’s history, have fallen into such a “disgusting” state. Mr Harris explained that there was graffiti in the area, broken glass and dry stonewall all over the floor.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council admitted that there was a “continuous” problem with the stones, but was actively seeking further support to improve the area.

“One day last week during my visit and while the council tarmac squad were also parked up, I saw two young tourists, taking photographs of themselves at the stones – unfortunately for them, the graffiti on the main stone will be shown on their photographs.

“The Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones are advertised as a tourist attraction, they are the starting point for the Sirhowy Valley Ridgeway Walk and many tourists must visit these stones. What must they say about the disgusting state the memorial stones are in?

“I for one would be ashamed to take visitors there and will the area be cleaned up for the 65th anniversary? It is in a disgusting state, graffiti on the stone, broken glass around the stones, lights have been ripped out, dry stone walling scattered around, notice boards unkempt, a totally disgusting mess.”

The four stones mark the spot where Nye Bevan held his public meetings with his constituents and were unveiled in October 2002.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “The council has now cleaned this site. However, there are continuous problems on this site, particularly in the nights when people congregate there.

“We are currently looking for further support and other external funding. We will look at further improvements, although this is ‘subject to funding approval’.”